ST. LOUIS – “We are struggling offensively,” manager Torey Lovullo said prior to Wednesday night’s matchup at Busch Stadium. “We’re working hard to change that, and we’ve created an awareness as to what our identity is. When we get guys on base and the right people are up, we’re gonna slug and put up some crooked numbers.” A few hours later, the D-backs found their groove(r). LuJames Groover blasted his first career home run in the bottom of the fourth inning of Arizona’s 9-4 victory. It was the first of back-to-back homers with Ketel Marte that put the exclamation point on a six-run frame, with all six runs scoring with two outs. Ildemaro Vargas turned on the tap for the Diamondbacks with a two-run double just ahead of Groover’s shot. “It was a good moment for this ballclub,” Lovullo said postgame from the same spot in his office. “We’ve been used to seeing those things happen, and I think last night was definitely a catalyst for these good results today.” “Every day is an opportunity to go out there, just really try and have good ABs,” added Groover. “Bring guys in when the opportunity presents itself, turn the lineup over, things like that. I walked a couple times today. Just being able to get the lineup back over to Ketel, especially, a lot of good things can happen there.” With the homer and two walks, Groover reached base safely three times in a single game for the first time in his Major League career. His two runs scored also represented a doubling of his young career output to date. Groover was not the only rookie to make an impact in Wednesday’s win. Mitch Bratt, called up to make his Major League debut ahead of the game, tossed a strong three innings while working under the auspices of a limited pitch count. He allowed just one earned run on two hits and struck out three while issuing two walks.
